Description
The Office of Distributed Learning & Rural Initiatives (DLRI) in the Cumming School of Medicine invites applications for a Communications & Marketing Specialist. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 1 year (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.
The Communications & Marketing Specialist reports to the Manager, Business & Operations, Distributed Learning & Rural Initiatives (DLRI), Cumming School of Medicine (CSM). The role also takes direction as needed from the Associate Dean, DLRI; Chair(s) of the Faculty Development Subcommittee; and the Director of UCLIC, while collaborating closely with the Director of Communications, CSM, and the Southern Alberta Medical Program (SAMP).
This position plays a critical role in developing, creating and implementing both internal and external communication strategies. It requires strong organizational and time management skills, exceptional written and verbal communication abilities, and advanced proficiency with social media and technology platforms. The incumbent must effectively manage a high volume of work with minimal supervision, exercising sound decision-making skills, tact, and good judgment.
Occasional travel within Alberta is required; therefore, a valid driver's license and access to a vehicle are essential. During peak conference periods‿typically in the fall and winter‿this role may require flexibility in working hours, including evenings and weekends.
Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):
Strategy, Engagement, and Project Management:
- Collaborate with the Manager, Business & Operations, DLRI, to determine annual priorities and project timelines for faculty development initiatives, rural programming, and community engagement
- Develop and implement annual communications and marketing plans aligned with DLRI and UCLIC priorities
- Oversee project timelines, deliverables, and reporting to ensure timely completion and alignment with quality standards
- Provide strategic communications guidance to leadership, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and best practices
- Engage with internal and external stakeholders to identify opportunities that enhance communications and foster community connections
Communications:
- Develop and execute comprehensive marketing and communications plans in collaboration with leadership and program staff
- Serve as the primary contact for all communications-related activities, including media relations, stakeholder communications, and internal messaging
- Develop, write, and edit engaging content for multiple platforms (web, social media, print, newsletters) to ensure brand consistency and alignment with key messages
- Implement a proactive communication strategy that highlights the unique experiences and stories of students, preceptors, and rural communities
- Actively engage with students, preceptors, and rural community members to identify compelling stories that can be shared internally and externally
- Maintain editorial oversight and quality control for all storytelling efforts
Event Support (Asset Development & Promotion):
- Maintain awareness of DLRI and UCLIC events to anticipate deadlines and promotional timelines
- Collaborate with the Chair(s), Faculty Development Subcommittee to ensure clear communication between program development and event delivery
- Ensure accreditation standards for both Colleges are met in program design and delivery
- Interpret policy and regulatory requirements related to course accreditation
- Collaborate with the DLRI team to develop and execute comprehensive digital communications strategies for each event or initiative
- Create and maintain webforms for event registration, feedback collection, and other engagement needs, ensuring user-friendliness and data accuracy
- Oversee the creation and deployment of digital assets (graphics, videos, social media posts, event websites) that align with brand guidelines and enhance event visibility
- Coordinate the timely release of promotional materials across all channels
- Support the development and dissemination of post-event communication materials, including surveys, wrap-up reports, and highlights
Qualifications / Requirements:
- Post-secondary diploma or degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, or Public Relations required
- Minimum 5-7 years of progressively responsible experience in communications, marketing, or related roles. Experience in a post-secondary environment is considered an asset; a combination of education and experience may be considered
- Proven experience developing and executing strategic communications plans
- Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills for multiple platforms
- Advanced knowledge of social media strategies, analytics, and content creation
- Strong understanding of brand management and visual identity standards
- Demonstrated project management skills
- Proficiency with web content management systems (e.g., Drupal) and design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite) is a strong asset. Prior experience specifically with Drupal 9.0 is highly desirable
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams), as well as Zoom and webinar platforms is required
- Outstanding interpersonal skills with an exceptional ability to work independently and collaboratively in a complex, multi-faceted environment
- Demonstrated professionalism, tact, judgment, and attention to detail, with a strong ability to consistently produce high-quality work
- Advanced organizational and time management skills, with strengths in prioritizing and meeting shifting deadlines
- Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercising initiative and sound judgment
- Demonstrated ability to lead projects from concept to completion
- Experience working in a collaborative, multi-stakeholder environment
- Experience with photography, videography, and media editing software is considered an asset
- Valid driver's license and willingness to travel within Alberta
Application Deadline: June 27, 2025
We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.
This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Job Family, Phase 3.
For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website.
About the University of Calgary
UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.
The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.
As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments (equity@ucalgary.ca) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources (hrhire@ucalgary.ca).
Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.
We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.
